Collecting Stories: A Native New Yorker
Founded with the principles of access and community, CURA Art utilises a broad network and expertise to support collectors with all aspects of managing their passion and investment.
Whilst many of the collectors we know and work with choose to remain private, several have generously allowed us to share their stories with you, to inspire others and encourage open discussion on the role of the collector in the 21st century. The aim of the Collecting Stories series is to de-mystify the world of collecting, but also represent the many different approaches to acquiring and patronising the arts.
Collecting is so much more than amassing beautiful or interesting works of art and objects; collectors have the opportunity to invest in the future and document the past and present – through this series we hope to bring this to light.
Dylan and Sarah Abruscato live in Brooklyn and demonstrate a new generation of collectors finding artists online.
They currently own works by Jordy Kerwick, Szabolcs Bozó, Ben Sledsens, Jansson Stegner, Vojtěch Kovařík, Mònica Subidé, and Charlotte Keates, among others.
Many such purchases, including the works by Kerwick, Bozó, and Kovařík, were discovered and made via Instagram, before each had major gallery representation.
Their collection represents the power of making connections to creatives through social media channels, and how these platforms are becoming a worthwhile place to discover and connect with artists.
Dylan’s story also demonstrates how collecting trading cards as a child can develop into a fruitful passion as an adult, and how family often influences an interest in the arts.
When and why did you start collecting?
Growing up, I collected everything, from Beanie Babies, to Pokémon cards, to baseball memorabilia. I’ve just always been a collector of things.
My grandparents have also always had art in their home that they’ve collected together over the years. So when my wife and I moved into our first apartment, I became obsessed with starting a collection together and filling our walls with art.
Scientific research supports the idea that collecting is in our nature, and something inherent in us that is apparent and encouraged when we’re children by the likes of collectable toys or trading cards.
So, where do you find art?
I actually made my first art purchase by cold messaging Jordy Kerwick on Instagram back in 2017. My wife and I stumbled upon his page one night and immediately loved his work. Buying a painting can feel unapproachable to young collectors, but Jordy made it as easy as texting with a friend.
From there, I used Instagram to continue discovering and connecting with any artist whose work caught my eye. In addition to posting their own work, a ton of artists share the work of other emerging artists. That’s actually how I first came across the work of Szabolcs Bozó - through an Instagram story of Jordy’s.
Five years later, Instagram is still my main tool for art discoverability. It’s just such a great platform for connecting with artists, galleries, and likeminded collectors all over the world.
Image: © Jordy Kerwick, courtesy of Dylan Abruscato
Do you have relationships with the artists that you can collect? And if not, would you like to?
Yes! Or at least I always try to. The art world is such a relationships-driven industry, so I always make it a priority to message artists on Instagram. At first, to simply introduce myself, and eventually, to share photos of any work we’ve purchased.
My wife and I just did our first studio visit as well, and it was such a great way to connect with an artist, so I’m hoping to do more of those whenever we get the chance.
Is there a particular aesthetic that you’re drawn to?
I’ve always been drawn to a style that I’ve dubbed Cuteism. There’s currently a generation of young artists who seek the aesthetics of images made by, or for, children, and for some reason, they really speak to me. I just love bright, bold colors, paired with a nostalgic narrative. My wife is typically drawn to more timeless pieces, particularly modern takes on classic masterworks.
And since we’ll never buy a piece if it doesn’t speak to both of us, the intersection of our aesthetics is what really makes our collection so special.
Image: © Szabolcs Bozó, courtesy of Dylan Abruscato
What advice do you have for fellow collectors?
Whenever I get asked by friends for collecting advice, the only response I give is to collect what you love. You’ll never be happy if you’re buying a piece or collecting art for the wrong reasons. At the end of the day, we collect works that simply speak to us, and I can safely say that I love every piece that we own.
Image: © Ben Sledsens, courtesy of Dylan Abruscato
Which artists are on your wish list right now?
I was recently blown away by the work of Jean Nipon. After seeing his incredible colored pencil pieces at Galerie PACT’s NADA New York booth a few months back, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them. Other than that, I’d love to eventually acquire works by Jess Valice, Sara Anstis, Claire Tabouret, Henni Alftan and André Butzer.
Image: © Jansson Stegner, courtesy of Dylan Abruscato
If you could own any work of art, from any time, and irrespective of cost, what would it be?
The painting that currently lives in my head rent-free is a still life by Anna Weyant, depicting a bowl of persimmons with a birthday candle inside of it. I’m not even sure what it’s titled, but I first came across a paper study for the painting during a Nino Mier group show a few years back, and just fell in love with the whim and insane detail. That, or anything by Matisse or Rousseau.
Thank you to Dylan for sharing his Collecting Story with us!
Image: © Charlotte Keates, courtesy of Dylan Abruscato